Messi is never going to reach that mantle that Maradona occupies (in Argentina) until he wins that elusive WC, heck Tevez is more popular than Messi in Argentina (boy, what a difference Tevez could'v made, shame).

I'm very happy to see a proper 'team' that plays attacking football win it. Their players are exemplary professionals and they all truly deserve it. Seeing Hummels and old boys Schweini, Klose and Lahm so moved and happy made my day even though I'd have liked Messi to win it.

Oh, he didn't really deserve player of the tournament despite having played really well. Robben was outstanding every game and I'd say Müller, James or him should've won it. Messi himself clearly didn't enjoy the trophy either.

Just googled Adrian Chiles... oh man that guy looks so scary during the half-time report. like he is looking into a crystal ball in a dark room.. hehehe

I like the half-time report of BBC only because of Alan Shearer. My favorite English player because he is always right in his analysis and makes amazing final points. His take of Germany after the Brazil game was so priceless "Now they have done the hard part they have to maintain this form as people only remember team's that have the name on the trophy"

Ekoj, why do you hate Messi? Because by leaving him off your shortlist, when hes on the official shortlist and single handedly dragged argentina out of the group stage you have demonstrated a clear bias against him. No reasonable person would say messi doesn't deserve to be considered at the very least. In my opinion, if Argentina win and Messi plays well tomorow he should get the golden ball. If Germany win then James Rodriguez should get it because i dont think any one German player has really distinguished themselves- been more of a team effort.

ya , i agree its tradition and stuff, also even i love to watch more football. But what are the players playing for ? win or loss they know they were so close to reach the final and couldn't make it. Sad way to end a brilliantly played tournament if you end up loosing.

Pointless 3rd place games. After the first half, I was like let me get back to doing work. This is just for FIFA to make some extra bucks. Next idea start having 5th place games. Hehehehhe

Such stupidity to force two teams to play an extra game not to forget they have lost the chance to win the cup, are exhausted, and not recovered from the loss. No one cares about 3rd. And the players are risking their health and condition, and professional future for no reason what so ever.

Sure, they might enjoy the final whistle because they don't go out with a defeat, that's fine. bBut that isn't what the World Cup should be about. It's just meaningless other than to make more money for FIFA.

Part of the greatness of sport is seeing the heartbreak when a side is knocked out. You lose, you're gone. That's it. Having two losers stick around and play another match is totally unfair to the players. Brazil just couldn't get up for it but you can't exactly blame them at this point.

So if Van Gaal says tomatoes are a disgrace, does that mean i should start looking for tomato alternatives?

Who cares what the fk the players think and how they feel, they are being paid millions and suddenly it's about their emotions? For some countires 3rd place and the 3rd place playoff match is a huge thing, Sweden, Chile, Turkey, Croatia, South Korea, Uruguay etc. Ask any Netherland fan, they'll tell you that 3rd place is a brilliant achievement. Ruud Van Nistelrooy was praising the team and how they played in the playoff (certainly didn't play like a team who couldn't care less of the match). And the chance to turnaround a gloomy defeat to a nice winning end? Whats wrong with that?

Looking too much into this and caring too much about a bunch of millionaire players, who will shrug this off by next week (except the Brazilians).

Lots will argue that third place playoff games are stupid, but i personally think they are brilliant. You have to look no further than Portugal Germany 2006 and Uruguay Germany 2010 (best game of the entire World Cup) to understand my point.

Wish I could like your post more BluFFmaster. Not about the players. This event is a spectacle for world footy fans and the third place match is an addition to that spectacle. It is an opportunity for two teams to go out play a fun exciting exhibition game and applaud the fans when they are done. It is a fun game for the fans and therefore not pointless. That is what this sport/event is about, the fans.

BluFFmaster
Man if Van Gaal says tomatoes are a disgrace, you should never mention Tomatoes ever. If you do mention it Van Gaal will appear in your worst nightmares. The guy looks like a scary mob boss that no one wants to disappoint. hehehehe